Uthman Salami
The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to improve coordination among emergency response agencies through the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System, a technology-driven platform aimed at improving incident reporting, responder deployment, and real-time monitoring across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training on LERMS held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja on Tuesday.
The maiden conference brought together representatives of emergency response agencies and other key stakeholders across the state.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, said the programme was designed to strengthen collaboration and improve emergency response operations in Lagos.
According to him, emergency management in a megacity like Lagos can no longer be handled in isolation, stressing the need for integrated communication systems, real-time information sharing and coordinated response among agencies.
He said the engagement would help emergency responders, security agencies, traffic managers, healthcare workers, fire services and environmental agencies improve operational synergy and address gaps in emergency response.
Oyerinde noted that Lagos faces several urban risks, including fire outbreaks, flooding, road crashes, building collapses and civil disturbances, adding that effective collaboration among agencies was critical to reducing response time and improving public safety.
He explained that LERMS was developed as a centralised incident management and dispatch platform to improve emergency call handling, incident logging, responder tracking, communication and accountability.
“The effective utilisation of LERMS will significantly reduce response time, improve operational visibility, minimise duplication of response efforts, and strengthen decision-support capabilities during critical incidents,” he said.
He added that the state government remained committed to investing in emergency management infrastructure, technology, capacity building and inter-agency coordination to strengthen public safety across Lagos.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, described the programme as a major step toward building a more integrated emergency response system in the state.
Giwa said the training would help harmonise response protocols, improve inter-agency cooperation and enhance emergency coordination through technology-driven solutions.
“LERMS represents a major advancement in incident reporting, responder deployment, dispatch coordination, and real-time operational monitoring,” he said.
He commended emergency responders and stakeholders for their dedication to protecting lives and property, urging participants to make the most of the training.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Sesan Ogundeko, said the gathering reflected the principle of “one government” in tackling emergencies.
He said the interactive session would allow agencies to re-evaluate their responsibilities and establish better response protocols aimed at reducing lapses during emergencies in the state.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
